Hartfield's Hikers New Logo

 

New Look - New Attitude - New Adventures!

May 2011

Inspiration...

 

"Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better."            Albert Einstein
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In This Issue
Inspiration...
In the News...
Did you know...
YAGO Photo Album
Member Shout Out
May Hike
NEW 'Next Level' Hikes
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.
Click Photos to View
Event Slideshow 
Chicopee Woods Hike Group
April Hike to Chicopee Woods
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Zip Lining2
Adventure Weekend including Zip Lining at Pigeon Forge, TN
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Len Foote Hike Inn Weekend
Len Foote Hike Inn Weekend atAmicalola Falls & Appalachian Trail
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Bicyclilng on the Silver Comet Trail
Bicycling on the Silver Comet Trail
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_Youth in the

American Great Outdoors 

Photo Album

Greg and YAGO

YAGO Hiking Group

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Member Shout Out
Theresa Hall

Theresa Hall

Top honors to Theresa Hall, founder of Black Singles Over 40 in Atlanta for coordinating another great 'Weekend Getaway'!   

 

There were nearly 50 men and women on this over night motorcoach trip to Pigeon Forge, TN where we had the choice of adventure to Zip Line, Horseback Ride, drive an ATV in the mountains or go Gem Mining!  The added bonus was shopping at the phenomenal Tanger Outlet Mall.  Some members even ventured to Dollywood and Gatlinburg.  

 

 

Quick Links

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OPALs Logo

Older People w/ Active Lifestyles

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REI

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Earthwise Productions, Inc.  

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Georgia Conservancy Logo


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Venturing Out on New Trails... 
 Greetings!  

 

Check out all of the great events in May:

  • 'Next Level' hikes begin this month on the 4th Saturday, May 28. We will hike the Gahutti Trail at Fort Mountain.  An 8.2 mile, difficult to strenuous trail.  See below for details.
  • Celebration of National Physical Fitness and Sports month.  You are urged to take the President's Challenge and earn the President's Active Lifestyle award.  Get more  info...  
  • Celebration of Older Americans Month...2011 theme is Older Americans: Connecting the Community.  You are urged to acknowledge the inspiration and continuity of the fabric older Americans bring to families and community.   
  • In celebration of National High Blood Pressure Education month, join us on the upcoming hike to add the physical activity component to help lower your blood pressure. Get more info about taking control of your hypertension... 
  • Cynturian Breakfast Club on the 3rd Sat., May 21 where relevant health issues surrounding women, men and children are addressed including 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...seating is limited)

Hartfield's Hikers continues to lead the way in getting men, women and youth out in nature, away from the rigorous day-to-day grind.   Join us and you too will be exhilarated by the beauty of the great American outdoors.  In addition to  hiking trails, we also join other groups on great  adventures that result in healthier bodies, sharper minds, a spiritual closeness with nature...and camaraderie 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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May Hike 

Unicoi/HelenChicopee Woods

Saturday, May 7th

Rated: Easy to Moderate

Distance: 6.0 Miles

 

 

Departure:  8:00 a.m.

Meeting Location: 

 

Hong Kong Market 

Parking Lot

5495 Jimmy Carter Blvd. Norcross, GA 30019 

  

This winding and scenic trail winds through stands of rhododendrons and mountain laurels and crosses the Lower Smith Creek. It actually crosses several small streams and then intersects with the Unicoi Mountain Biking Trail before reaching the Unicoi Hill City Park in Helen where we will stop and have lunch and enjoy the Alpine Village of Helen, one of the most popular areas in North Georgia.


  

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 $8-$10 toward gas and the parking fee of $5 (you can get a free State Park pass from your local library). It will take approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to reach the trail head. 

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 Youth in the American Great Outdoors (YAGO) 

May Hike
Unicoi/Helen

Saturday, May 14th

Rated: Easy to Moderate

Distance: 6.0 Miles

 

Youth are generally ages 7 - 17 and must have an adult chaperone.  Younger boys and girls are welcomed at the descretion of the guardian adult.  See above for more information or call Carolyn at 678.231.4973.


Youth in the American Great Outdoors (YAGO) May Hike 
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NEW 'Next Level' Hike for May

 
Advanced Hikers...ready to explore more challenging hikes.  On the 4th Saturday of the month we are starting our 'Next Level'  hikes which will be generally rated Moderate to Difficult or Strenuous.'  They will be trails we have never done before the first of which is Gahutti at Fort Mountain.  These hikes will require you to RSVP at a cost of $15 for Hartfield's Hikers Supporting Members, and $20 for Basic members and $25 for non-members. 
  
-Supporting membership means you have joined by making a donation and have received your free gift.
-Basic membership means you have joined our mailing list and participated in at least one hike or other activity.
  
Due to the nature of the new trails, the number of hikers will be limited.  Your payment holds your space. RSVP Now!
  
Supporting Member $15.00:    Pay Now    
  
Basic Member  $20.00:            Pay Now    
  
Non-Member:  $25.00:             Pay Now    
  
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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.

  

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.
    
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 fee to help cover our costs. Currently we have the 'Supporting' member subscriptions for only $15 a year to help us with ongoing operational expenses. 
  
Supporting member subscriptions will 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.

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."