Hartfield's Hikers New Logo

 

New Look - New Attitude - New Adventures!

April 2011

Inspiration...

 

One does not hike to become enlightened, rather one chooses to hike because they are enlightened.
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In This Issue
Inspiration...
In the News...
Did you know...
Photo Album
Member Shout Out
April Hike
NEW 2011 Activities
Hiking & Health Tips
Membership

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Check out the article written about us...in the Champion Newspaper

 

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Did you know...

 

Hiking is the easiest and least expensive outdoor recreation activity, according to the American Hiking Society, and the mental health benefits are as just as bountiful as the physical ones.
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Photo Album
Greg and YAGO

Arabia Mtn Preserve Photos

YAGO Hiking Group

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Member Shout Out
Gregory McCoy

Gregory McCoy

Kudos to Gregory for leading our first Youth in the American Great Outdoors (YAGO) outing.  There were 7 boys aged 7 - 16 plus 4 adult chaperones.

He was great with the boys!  And in addition to introducing some of them to hiking for the first time, he also was able to teach the 'Leave No Trace' principles and general hike etiquette.

 

The boys were asked to write about their experience and be prepared to share it at the next meeting.

 

Great job Greg! 

 

Quick Links
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Georgia State Parks

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National Park Service logo

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Earthwise Productions, Inc.

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REI

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Georgia Conservancy Logo


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OPALs Logo

Older People w/ Active Lifestyles

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Outdoor Afro Logo

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Trailblazing for a Healthier Community ...One Step at a Time
 Greetings!  

 

Check out all of the great events in April:

  • Celebration of National Minority Health month
  • World Health Day on April 7th 
  • National Pubic Health Week April 4 - 10
  • Cynturian Breakfast Club on the 3rd Saturday, April 16 where they address relevant health issues surrounding women, men and children and how we can best control or eliminate health challenges and become more energetic and vibrant!  Located in Midtown Atlanta. Let me know if you want to join me. (It's free)
  • 2nd annual 'Rediscovering Our Roots in Nature' hiking trip in partnership with REI and the Georgia Conservancy to the Len Foote Inn atop Amicalola Falls State Park, April 22 - 23, SOLD OUT (It filled up in about a week!)
  • April 30, Sweetwater Creek State Park Service Day with the Georgia Conservancy...get more information
  • April 30 - May 1, overnight trip to Pigeon Forge, TN with the Atlanta Black Singles Over 40 for an adventurous weekend including an All Terrain Vehicle Ride, Zip Lining, Horseback Riding and/or Gem Mining.  Get details here. 
  • May 6-7. at the Sweet Auburn Springfest we will have a presence at the festival in the Environmental Pavilion 

Hartfield's Hikers continues to lead the way in getting men, women and youth out in nature where, in addition to being exhilarated by the beauty of the great American outdoors, we also experience hiking trails and other adventures that result in healthier bodies, sharper minds, a spiritual closeness with nature...and camraderie with great people!

 

Please mark your calendar and join us!

Carolyn's Signature

Carolyn, The Hiking Lady

Founder, Hartfield's Hikers
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April Hike 

Chicopee Woods Chicopee Woods

Saturday, April 2

Rated: Easy to Moderate

Distance: 5.5 Miles

 

Departure:  8:00 a.m.
Meeting Location: 

Hong Kong Market 

Parking Lot

5495 Jimmy Carter Blvd. Norcross, GA 30019 

  

The Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve at Elachee Nature Center is one of the largest greenspaces in the state of Georgia and features four diverse habitats - woodland, lake, stream and wetland.  You will savor in the tranquill beauty of the woods where we may spot deer, birds and some of the beautiful blossoms and greenery.

  

As always, wear sturdy shoes or hiking boots, and of course comfortable layered, lightweight clothing.  Bring plenty of water, snacks and your lunch.  Please eat a healthy breakfast to help sustain your energy.

 

Remember... we car pool and each rider is asked to donate at least $5 toward gas.  Parking is a $1.00 donation.   It will take approximately 45 minutes to reach the traihead. 

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NEW Activities for 2011

 

We are on the move and plans are manifesting for an exciting year!  In addition to exploring new hiking trails, we will have our Wonderful Wilderness Walks on Wednesdays, Youth in the American Great Outdoors (YAGO) program, Bike Rides, Overnight Camping and Weekend Getaway trips, and to incorporate other activities with the Black Singles Over 40, Metro Atlanta Cycling Club, the Southern Snow Seekers, white water rafting, overnight trips, and visiting some of the State and National Parks. If you have an outdoor activity you would like to have included, let us know. 
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Rediscovering Our Roots in Nature at the Len Foote Hike Inn, atop Amicalola Falls State Park in partnership with REI and the Georgia Conservancy April 22-23Get more information and register here. Space is limited.
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Weekend Getaway to Pigeon Forge, TN with the Black Singles Over 40...April 30 - May 1, 2011...Get more info and Reserve Your Space!

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Good Hiking & Health Tips

 

Hiking 
A hiking stick or trekking poles are good to have when the trail is rated moderate or higher. They really work especially well when you are going down hill.  They can take a lot of stress off of your knees, especially if you are a few pounds overweight.
  
Hike clothing should not be cotton.  Cotton soaks up your sweat...and you will sweat...and holds it.  Instead, wear lightweight, layered clothing,  For the upcoming hot weather, choose to wear a polyester shirt that will wick the sweat away quickly.  Also, your clothes should be loose-fitting to allow more air flow.

Health
Cold weather foods and snacks for hiking...  Calories are units of heat, which is why you use more of them in winter than in summer. That is why a bowl of oatmeal before you hike helps to keep you moving and also helps to keep you warm.
  
Hot weather snacks should be salty to help avoid dehydration. Gatorade mix or some other electrolyte powder, mixed at about half strength in your water will help replenish what you sweat out.

Granola, Oats/Other grains, Raisins & Peanuts/other nuts, (GORP) is considered the ideal energizing snack food for hikers.  It is really your own homemade trail mix. 
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 Membership Restructure

 

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 1st Saturday day hikes.

 

We love what we do and are dedicated to keeping it going. As a result of hiker inquiries and increased expenses, we are implementing a new Membership structure. 
  
First Saturday Hikes will continue to be No Charge.  These hikes will be rated easy to moderate.  A description of the hike and rating will always be provided.
  
In the very near future we will introduce our 4th Saturday Hikes that will be new trails rated Moderate to Difficult to Strenuous.  These hikes will be limited to 10 participants.  More info to follow.  If you are interested in being a part of this more advanced group, let us know.
  
We love what we do and are dedicated to keeping it going. As a result of hiker inquiries and increased expenses, we are seriously contemplating a fee to cover our expenses. Currently we have the 'Supporting' member subscriptions for only $15 a year to help us with ongoing operational expenses. 
  
Supporting member subscriptions will be get first notification of special events and planned trips, of which sometimes the space is limited.  Additionally, as we reach out to our partners, sponsors and advertisers for special discounts and other added benefits, supporting members will be the first to receive the added value and benefits from these and other relationships we continue to build. 

 

Please accept our invitation to become a Supporting Member subscriber now.

Buy Now
 
Carolyn-WhiteBlouse_125 
     "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,  the Sweep (the person in the back to ensure no one is left behind) are 'Certified' Outings Leaders with the Sierra Club and Certified in Wilderness First Aid through the Wilderness Medical Institute.  We 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.

 

"A loving attitude, enjoying life, and learning something new everyday is my goal."