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Exploring the Great American Outdoors!October  2010
In This Issue
Photo Album
Eco & Health Tips...
Member Shout Out
Get Out, Get Involved, Get Inspired!
Recommended Reading
Our Partners & Supporters
October Hike
Hiking & Health Tips
Membership
Thank You!
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Hartfield's Hikers
Photo Album
Vickery Creek cropped
photos by Ian Welch
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Eco Tips...
Here are a few tips you can do to reduce your energy consumption:
  • Turn off and/or unplug your electronics when not in use.
  • Wash only full loads of clothes
  • Keep your tires properly inflated to improve gas mileage
 Health Tips...
  • Eat more fresh fruit and vegetables
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Associate with people who encourage and support you
  • Get your physical exercise through fun activities
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Member Shout Out
 Ian Welch
Ian Welch
Ian has become our 'resideint photographer'. 
We really apprecipate the photos he takes on the hikes
 
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Get Out
Get Involved
Get Inspired
(GOGIGI) 
 
Where Nature Lovers Network, Share and Discover the Great Outdoors!
 
Join this great Blog, developed by one of our own...L.A.  Share your hiking stories and any other stories or experiences you have had in the great outdoors.  You will find others to network with who have similar interests.
 
Let's help build the GOGIGI blog and invite others to join us as we continue to marvel at God's creations.
 
Quick Links
 
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Highly Recommended Reading

Carolyn Hartfield

Visit the website to get more information about al lthe wonderful work Audrey and Frank Peterman are doing in promoting diversity in the great American outdoors, i.e., the state and national parks.  Purchase the book and/or get more information...
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Patronize Our Partners & Supporters 
 
REI 
 
OPALs Logo 
 
Park Pride
 
 
Spirit of Sweet Auburn Logo
 
Earthwise Productions, Inc.
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Tell Us What You Think!
 
We continuously strive to not only work in a spirit of excellence, but also in a harmonious environment.  To accomplish this and ensure we are on the right trail (pun intended), we want you to tell us what you think!

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Thanks!
 October is Health Literacy
and Positive Attitude Month


Greetings!
  
September was my birthday month and quite appropriately, for me, Healthy Aging month. I am still celebrating my 62 years of a wonderful life!  The wellness network of which I am an active member is helping me to age gracefully.

I am so glad that October is Health Literacy month, personally, as a Health Literacy coach through a program at Georgia State University, I truly understand the need for health literacy, particularly when it results in a better understanding of what we can do personally to ensure ourselves of optimal health. A new Health and Wellness Network of which I am an active member, is really paying off!  I won't go into detail here, but if you are interested and want more information, shoot me an email.

Moving right along, in October we also promote Breast Cancer Awareness and celebrate Positive Attitude month.  I just have to include that it is also Eat Better, Eat Together month which celebrates taking the time to sit down to a meal with family and/or friends, including young people, and enjoying each others company over a healthy meal...when was the last time you did that, without being rushed or having any outside interruptions, i.e., television, cell phones, visitors, etc.?  Give it a try. 


We are already in the planning stage for a great, vigorous schedule for 2011.  We are in the process of becoming 'Georgia Specialists'  through a special training program with the Georgia  Tourism to learn about all the great destinations.  

During the month we were the featured speaker at the Southern Snow Seekers Ski Club quarterly meeting.  It was a great meeting held at the Cascade Club, and the owner invited the attendees to the club side for the Comedy Show.  It is a great facility.  Check it out for your next event.  They also have dancing every Friday including Steppers, Ballroomers, Hand Dancers & Boppers.

PLEASE keep Charles Johnson in your prayers.  He is known as the 'Mayor of Sweet Auburn'  and the producer of the Sweet Auburn Festivals.  He has prostate cancer. I appeal to all the men...grandfathers, fathers, sons, uncles ... all men...please go and have your prostate checked and evaluate your lifestyle to ensure you are ding the right things for a healthy, long life.  No matter how healthy (or unhealthy)  you may be, there is always room for improvement.

You should never be without something to do to keep you active physically, mentally and socially while having fun, being fit and enjoying a healthy aging process...for all of us!

If you join any of the groups or activities we have listed, please let them know how you found out about it...through Hartfield's Hikers and/or OPALs.
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Happy, Healthy Hiking...
Carolyn
Carolyn Hartfield, The Hiking Lady
Founder, Hartfield's Hikers & OPALs

P.S.:  Sorry for the tardiness.  Been having issues with my computer and the process of uploading photos, etc.  Will have updated photos for the next newsletter.  Be blessed!

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October Hike
Black Rock Mtn Full View
Click Here for Mountain Top Webcam
 
 Black Rock Mountain
Saturday, October 2
Rated: Moderate to Difficult
Distance: 2.2 miles 
8:00 a.m. Sharp Departure
(Approx. 1.5 hour drive) 

Meet at the Hong Kong Market
5495 Jimmy Carter Blvd.
Norcross, GA 30093

The Tennessee Rock Trail, the one we will hike, winds its way through some of the highest and most lush forests. It is the park's most popular hiking trail. The trail offers a perfect opportunity to get better acquainted with the area's rich woodlands and vistas, that on clear days span over 80 miles into the neighboring states of both North and South Carolina, as well as Tennessee, including views of Georgia's Brasstown Bald and Clingman's Dome in Tennessee.

We will also discover an Appalachian boulderfield, an actual remnant of the great ice age which ended more than 10,000 years ago. And, we will also walk a quarter-mile along the Blue Ridge Mountain backbone, following the Eastern Continental Divide. This great ridge separates rainfall flowing eastward toward the Savannah River and the Atlantic Ocean from rainfall trending westward toward the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico...wow!  Remember learning about the 'Continental Divide' in school...we will actually be walking alongside and crossing it!

Read more...

As always, wear comfortable shoes (no new shoes!) and layered clothing.  Bring plenty of water, snacks and your lunch.
 
----PLEASE MAKE NOTE, WE WILL LEAVE FOR THE HIKE AT 8:00 a.m.----
Due to the overwhelming responses we have been getting for the hikes, we have to start limiting the number of hikers to ensure we help preserve the trails.  It is imperative that you RSVP and show up.  We will implement a waiting list.  So if you can't make it, let us know so someone else can join us. Thanks!
 
For more information or to RSVP, contact our
Hike Leader Carolyn at 678.231.4973.
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Good Hiking & Health Tips

Hiking 
Good Hiking Tips - Stay hydrated! Drink lots of water to avoid cramps.  As you are hiking your body is losing moisture and you need to replenish it. Don't worry about having to use the bathroom...it is not an issue...believe me!

Wear layered clothing made of light fabric.  Try to stay away from cotton...it holds moisture.

Slow down, rest more, stop if tired. Don't push yourself on real hot days.

Health
Nutritious Eating - Have more snacks...healthy snacks. a good Trail Mix is always good.  Calories from simple sugars, complex carbohydrates, and fats are useful in different ways to your body. For ongoing energy boosts while hiking, the quickly metabolized carbohydrates should be preferred. Here are some suggestions: Banana; Dried Apple or Apricots; Raisins; Crackers; Granola; Peanut Butter; Peanuts; Jerky.

Fruit is a winner, it contains good vitamins and and calories and very little fat. 
Grain is also a good source of carbohydrates. Breads and crackers are a good choice for day hikes. Tuna fish contains high protein and is a good meal with cheese on crackers (if you like the taste of tuna). Oh, don't get the tuna in a can - it comes in foil pouches now that mean much less weight and easy to pack. Don't forget a sturdy zip-loc bag for your trash, especially the smelly tuna pouch.

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 Membership
 
There is NO COST to become a basic member or friend of Hartfield's Hikers and to continue receiving our newsletters and joining us on our monthly hikes.
 
We love what we do and are dedicated to keeping it going. As a result of hiker inquiries, we have established the 'Supporting' member subscriptions for only $10 a year to help us with ongoing operational expenses. 
 
Supporting member subscriptions will gain added value as we expand and reach out to partners, sponsors and advertisers. Supporting members will be the first to receive the added value and benefits from the relationships we form. 
 
Please accept our invitation to become a Supporting Member subscriber now by clicking below.

Subscribe

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THANK YOU!
 
To those who have become supporting members. We appreciate you!  We have a free gift for you on your next hike, compliments of REI. 
 
Thank you to all those who are new comers to our gourp and those who support us by partnering with us and sharing activities and adventures.  We appreciate each and every one of you as we continue on our journey of a life full of friends and fun.
 
Carolyn Hartfield
 "The Hiking Lady"
 
Normally, we hike the first Saturday of every month unless posted otherwise. Our hikers are all ages, from youth to seniors. 
 
We simply ask you to make note of the length of the hike and the level of difficulty rating.  We are as fast as the slowest person...no need to feel pressured.  We enjoy nature and the company of each other as we hike the trails. 
 
Both Carolyn and Paulette, who is the Sweep (the person in the back to ensure no one is left behind) are 'Certified' Outings Leaders with the Sierra Club.  They hike as a team to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the hikers are assured.
 
Carolyn is available for speaking engagements on practical ways to improve your current state of health and wellbeing.  Her profession is Integrated Marketing Specialist.
 
Tune in to her weekly radio show 'OPALs' (Older People with Active Lifestyles) every Wednesday morning at 6:00 a.m. on BlogTalkRadio.com/opals
 
"A loving attitude, enjoying life, and learning something new everyday is my goal."